I also forgot to mention that he LOVES to fetch (already at 12 weeks). He will fetch a ball or a frisbie (a free one we got from the vet) and bring it back every time. Now we are working on "DROP". LOL

There's nothing wrong with the squirt in the face if it's working. As long as you are consistent and use the same words "no bite" everytime he is rough with the cat and if he doesn't stop then he gets a spray. Remember to praise him when he stops before you need to spray. You'd also want to pick up the cat and move her to another room to completly dimsantle the situation. It's like leaving candy in front of a kid if you just correct the dog and then leave the cat there to instigate again-(and you know that's what the cat is doing when you turn your back...lol).
My 70lb. gsd grew up with my kitten. Literally, that cat had a death wish because everytime I wasn't looking she would squeeze her way into the dog crate-between the bars! My dog would give a look I've never seen before, "A kitty, all for me!!!!?" The cat just absbsolutely loved the dog. So now they are grown and will wrestle like puppies. While the dog is laying down the cat mauls her face and it's so entertaining! They love it! I think the cat thinks she's a dog though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I also agree if the squirting is working than be consistant and continue. Between that, and you WAY working with the interactive play with TOYS (good for you for your shopping trip!) you should really start seeing a big improvement over the next few weeks.

Thanks again ya'll! (yea, I'm in Atlanta! LOL)

He really seems to respond to the squirt (or even the lack of a squirt). He seems to already understand that when I say "NO BITE" and he continues he gets something he doesn't want (a squirt in the face). LOL

I was really worried about the cats (and still am a little). We have 2 cats and one of them is bigger than the pup at this point. The cats just stay clear of him most of the time but when he goes to barking at them (one of them mainly who is a male) the cats starts hissing and growling back. I am just waiting for the cat to pop the snot out of him....hopefully the pup learns his lesson when he does (to just stay away from the cat). I would love for them to playing and do what Alison's do but right now, I don't see that happening! LOL But I guess you never know!

Marc, congratulations on getting the biting under control.
This is no mean feat- way to go!
But the cat/dog relationship needs some intervention on your part. Don't let your pup bark at them. They could end up really hurting him. Their claws harbor bacteria, which could lead to infection. And once it gets to that point there's no going back. The cats will forever hate the dog, and the dog may end up hating all cats...it'll be hard to break him of this. Since he responds so well to the squirt, even the threat of the squirt, incorporate this into his training on how to behave around the cats. No barking at them and no chasing them. Don't be surprised if the cats seem to lure the pup into getting into trouble. In my case, my cat would find a plastic bag and drag it into the hallway, making lots of noise with it, to attract my dog's attention when he was still a puppy. Cats are sneaky, lol.

Well, I THOUGHT we had it under control! LOL He is still pretty bad at times..he has a VERY strong prey drive and I would probably consider him a "hard dog". When I grab him by the scruff and shake him it just gets him more fired up. Also, we had a VERY bad thunderstorm the other night and he didn't even blink an eye.

You are right about the cats. I was going to just let him go after one of them and let the cat pop him but after you said that about the bacteria, I had second thoughts. Plus he might think it was ok to chase the cats and may cause more problems down the road. We are just keeping him and the cats at a safe distance. Atleast he can walk by now with the cat hissing at him and him barking at it. LOL

And here I thought you were a miracle worker, geting the biting of a 3 mos. old puppy under control, LOL...it all takes time, don't be discouraged.

The cat/dog thing will work out too, but here's a general
synopsis of the barking & hissing:
Dog- "Man, you look yummy! Fun to catch,too...can't wait!"
Cat- "Come any closer mother****er and I'll blind you!"
This is the only the early stages of interaction and unless you stop it NOW it will get much more intense. Not to mention that walks in the park will include straining on the leash to get the squirell, stray cats in your yard are as good as dead...don't let it happen. No barking and no hissing is the best solution. Squirt!

Thanks for the encouragement! Sometimes new puppy owners need it! LOL Sometimes, he can be hell of wheels...other times he is an angel, it's amazing! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The cats and pup seem to be ok with one another, they just have their moments. I think the pup really just wants a playmate and the cat isn't too excited about that thought. LOL I sure hope they can get along in the future, it will suck keeping them seperated for life.

Mike,

I may just try that! He does seem to have got better over the last few days but maybe its my imagination. LOL

How old was your GSD when you did this?

We think our pup is about 3 1/2 months old now (or 13-14 weeks). We got him from the pound so we are not exactly sure how old he is.